This demonstration shows how charge distributes itself on a conducting sphere. By charging the sphere and scraping charge off the inside and outside of the sphere then testing with an electroscope, you can see that charge distributes itself on the outside of the sphere only.
* Equipment seen in the video may vary from equipment used in ND Demonstrations. See information and images below for ND equipment and setup.
Setup:
Place the equipment on the lab table. Connect the webcam to the projector system and set it up to view the electroscope.
Touch the conducting sphere with the hole in the top to the Van de Graaff Generator. Turn on the generator to charge the sphere. Remove the sphere and set it on the table. Turn off the VDG and ground it with the grounding sphere. Rub the proof plane across the outer surface of the sphere. Bring the proof plane near the electroscope to see it deflect.
Touch the proof plane and conducting sphere to ground them.
Touch the conducting sphere with the hole in the top to the Van de Graaff Generator. Turn on the generator to charge the sphere. Remove the sphere and set it on the table. Turn off the VDG and ground it with the grounding sphere. Rub the proof plane across the inner surface of the sphere. Bring the proof plane near the electroscope and it won't deflect.
Notes:
Be careful not to touch the outside of the sphere after scraping charge off the inside.
Courses Used In:
PHY 10320
PHY 20435
PHY 30220
Discussion and Polling Questions:
Coming Soon
Equipment Needed:
Van de Graaff Generator
Grounding Sphere
Proof Plane
Electroscope
Sphere with Opening in the Top
Webcam